Policies & Guidelines
Important information for a smooth and safe visit
Financial Policy
At Franklinton Animal Hospital, we are committed to providing exceptional veterinary care and transparent financial interactions. To ensure clarity and consistency, please review and acknowledge our financial policy below.
Accepted Forms of Payment
We accept the following payment methods:
- Cash
- Visa
- MasterCard
- Discover
- American Express
- CareCredit
⚠️ We do not accept personal checks for any services or purchases.
💰 Cash Discount Program
We offer a Dual Cash Pricing Program:
- ✓Clients who choose to pay in cash will receive a 3% discount on eligible services.
- ✗This discount does NOT apply to grooming services.
Payment Expectations
Payment is required at the time services are rendered.
We do not offer payment plans or billing arrangements of any kind, with the exception of third-party financing through CareCredit.
If you would like to know costs in advance, you are welcome to request a written estimate prior to treatment. Please note that an estimate is just that—an approximation. Actual charges may vary based on your pet's condition and the professional judgment of our medical team.
CareCredit Financing
CareCredit financing is available for clients who need extended payment options. Approval is handled directly through CareCredit and must be completed prior to treatment.
By authorizing Franklinton Animal Hospital to perform diagnostics, treatments, procedures, or services, you agree that payment for all services provided.
Grooming Policies
⚠️ BY APPOINTMENT ONLY! ⚠️
Grooming services require advance scheduling
Health Requirements
To ensure the safety and well-being of all pets in our care, the following health requirements must be met prior to grooming services:
🐕 Dogs:
- ✓DHPPV
- ✓Bordetella (Kennel Cough) - within 6 months
- ✓Rabies
- ✓Annual fecal test
- ✓Heartworm test (if over 1 year old)
🐈 Cats:
- ✓FVRCP
- ✓Rabies
All vaccines must be administered by a licensed veterinarian and must be up to date at the time of service.
📧 Please bring a copy of your pet's medical records or email them to: franklintondesk@gmail.com
✅ We are also happy to perform any required services during your pet's grooming appointment if needed.
Appointment Policies
📅 Cancellation Policy
Please contact our office within 24 hours if you need to cancel or reschedule. Grooming appointments fill up quickly, and timely notice allows us to accommodate other pets waiting for services.
⏰ Late Arrival Policy
If you are more than 15 minutes late to your appointment, you may be required to reschedule to allow enough time for services. Please call our office if you know you're going to be late so we can discuss available options.
💵 $25 Deposit Policy
Offenders of the appointment policy will be required to place a $25 deposit when scheduling future appointments. This deposit will go toward the cost of the grooming service. However, if the client does not show up or cancels at the last minute, the deposit will be forfeited.
Habitual offenders will not be able to schedule any future grooming appointments. Continued disregard for our appointment policies prevents us from accommodating other pets in need of care, so strict enforcement is necessary.
Our groomers work on a 100% commission-based structure, meaning that missed appointments result in a direct loss of income for them. Your cooperation in honoring scheduled appointments helps support their time and dedication.
💵 Tipping
If you would like to tip your groomer, please bring cash or use the Cash App or Venmo QR codes located in the lobby. We cannot accept tips on credit card payments.
😊 Satisfaction Policy
If you are dissatisfied with your grooming service for any reason, please contact us within two business days, and we will do our best to correct the issue. However, there are no refunds or discounts on grooming services.
We look forward to seeing you soon. Please call (919) 341-1055 if you have any questions.
Safety Guidelines
NO RETRACTABLE LEASH POLICY
***Effective Immediately***
We have enlisted a NO RETRACTABLE LEASH policy in our lobby. Please see the front desk to borrow a free traditional leash during your visit. This policy has been implemented for the safety of all of our patients, clients and team members.
Did you know...
Dogs who are 10 feet away are NOT under control, even if they are on a leash?
Dogs on long leads can dart into traffic and get hit by a car?
The retractable cord itself is a hazard and can severely injure people and animals (including degloving and amputation of limbs)?
The locks can fail, resulting in complete lack of control of your dog?
Dog fights can not easily be avoided on a retractable leash?
KEEP YOUR PETS ON A TRADITIONAL LEASH FOR EVERYONE'S SAFETY!
Thank you,
Franklinton Animal Hospital
Post-Surgical Care Information
🐕 Ear Trim Discharge Information
Day 1: Immediate Post-Surgery
- • DO NOTHING TO THE EARS TODAY!
- • Keep pets separated during healing process
- • E-collar must be worn during the entire 10-day healing process
- • Watch that your pet does not scratch/irritate incision/sutures
Days 2-9: Daily Care
- • Apply Vaseline or Neosporin to cut edge 3-4 times daily
- • Give a strong "tug" straight up on ears to prevent scabs
- • This is vital to the healing process
Day 10: Suture Removal
- • Bring pet for suture removal
- • Puppy will need to be bathed with degreaser shampoo
- • Bath costs are dependent on pet weight
- • Can schedule grooming appointment (vaccinations required)
Day 11+: Taping Process
- • Return for first "taping" if needed (short crops may not require taping, while longer crops will require more taping over a longer period of time)
- • Leave tape for 1 week maximum
- • NEVER LEAVE TAPE ON FOR MORE THAN 1 WEEK!!!
- • Remove tape at home on Day 18
- • Allow 1-2 day rest, then repeat weekly until both ears stand
⚠️ IMPORTANT: Please DO NOT attempt to tape ears yourself. Do not use medical tape, duct tape, athletic tape, or any other tape materials on your puppy's ears.
🐕 C-Section: Care Following Surgery or Hospitalization
A cesarean section is major surgery to remove puppies from the uterus. Most dogs recover quickly from this procedure; however, if your dog was in labor for several hours before surgery was performed, her recovery will be slower, and she will need extra attention with her litter.
Mother's Recovery Period
The mother has been given an anesthetic that is eliminated from her body quickly. Most dogs have fully recovered from anesthesia by the time they arrive home. Complete recovery from anesthetic may take 2-6 hours, depending on the mother's physical condition at the time of surgery and her age.
The mother should begin eating within a few hours after she is completely awake. Encourage her to eat and drink all that she wants, being careful that she does not overload her stomach too quickly. The normal range is 100-102°F (37.8-38.9°C).
Puppy Care
The puppies should be ready to nurse as soon as you arrive home. Although the mother may not be awake enough to nurse the puppies alone, you can assist by making the mother lie on her side so the puppies are nurse.
If the mother does not have any milk at first, you may supplement the puppies for the first day or two. Although we prefer that puppies begin nursing immediately, a healthy newborn can survive nicely for up to 12 hours without nursing.
⚠️ When to Contact Your Veterinarian
The mother's temperature may rise 1-2 degrees above normal the first 1-3 days after delivery. If any concerns arise, please notify vet and bring mother in for recheck. Monitor puppies closely and contact us if you notice any issues with weak, dehydrated, or chilled newborns.
Questions About Our Policies?
Our team is here to help clarify any concerns.